One can only hope Australia are saving themselves for the games that matter, such was the mediocrity of their performance against the Solomon Islands at Bossley Park last night.

Considered by some as the worst Australian Olympic (under-23) team in history, the Olyroos have failed to allay those fears during their Oceania qualifiers to date. Last night's 5-0 win may have maintained their unbeaten record and left the Olyroos needing only a draw in their final match against Fiji tomorrow to progress to the play-offs, but serious deficiencies remain.

Significantly Australia have yet to unearth a player likely to make an impact in Athens, assuming the Olyroos get that far. On this effort the Fiji game looms as a challenge, while the play-off next week against either New Zealand or Vanuatu could be even more problematical.

Three of Australia's five goals came from set pieces - two corners played in by Alex Brosque were converted by Brett Holman and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, while a penalty was dispatched by Luke Wilkshire.

The Olyroos' first goal was the best - a move created initially by the persistence of Holman before Jade North, Australia's best on the night, delivered a near-post ball which was turned in by Dylan MacAllister. But those hoping it was a sign of things to come were disappointed.

"I wouldn't say that was our most pleasing win from my perspective," said coach Frank Farina. "I don't know whether it was mental fatigue or whatever but there's no doubt we have to lift the intensity. The island nations are improving all the time, and I'm not just saying that, I honestly believe it. But as I say to the players, they have to set their own standards and meet them."

Few of the Australian players did that against a willing Solomons team that overcame a mid-game slump to finish strongly. Brosque was particularly disappointing given scouts from French club Lens were in the stand to assess whether they should make an offer to his current club, Marconi Stallions.

Brosque rarely got past his man in his wide role on the left, while on the other flank Ahmad Elrich - another player being courted by overseas clubs - fared little better. Farina was reluctant to single out the final third as the problem area but there is little doubt the Olyroos continue to lack a cutting edge.

Ryan Griffiths came on as a substitute and won a penalty before scoring himself but still has a lot to prove before he can be regarded as international class. He wasn't alone, and it will need a huge improvement in the next three games to not only ensure qualification but to raise any hopes that Australia can thrive, rather than survive, at the Olympics.

In the early game, Fiji were equally unimpressive in struggling to a 4-0 win over plucky Samoa.

The Samoans had the better chances in the first half, but paid the price for poor finishing as Fiji scored four times without reply after the break.